Log in

View Full Version : Glowing Tomato


Guitarist94
Jan 16, 2008, 08:17 PM
Hi I am doing a science project on making a glowing tomato.

Make A GLOWING TOMATO ! Video (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/757249/make_a_glowing_tomato/)

It says that you need non-safety matches (better known as 'strike anywhere'). Would it make a difference if I used safety-matches and if so, why?
If anyone knows anything about this, please help.
Thanks :D.

oneguyinohio
Jan 16, 2008, 08:25 PM
I have a feeling it will make a difference because of the chemicals on the different types of matches.

On the "strike anywhere" matches, the necessary chemicals are present. On the safety matches the second chemical is present in the strike pad... or on the area where the safety match is rubbed to ignite it.

You could always double up on your experiment and find out if you can produce a difference by using the different types of matches on different plants.

Guitarist94
Jan 16, 2008, 08:35 PM
Is there anyway I could find research on the chemicals?

PolluxCastor
Jan 18, 2008, 09:27 PM
Please, be very careful. If you are not an adult, it would be a good idea to have one around. If you are an adult, it would be a good idea to have a second person around anyway. Phosphorous is very unstable and you will be collecting a lot of it.

Wondergirl
Jan 18, 2008, 09:31 PM
Here's a little bit about the two kinds of matches --

Safety Match Chemistry:Red Phosphorus and Potassium Chlorate (http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/JCESoft/cca/CCA3/MAIN/MATCHES/PAGE1.HTM)

Here's some chem info about phosphorus --

Silicon (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pertab/p.html)

Danny1995
Jan 20, 2008, 11:41 AM
What makes the tomato glow? That is cool

900295
Jan 24, 2008, 08:55 PM
I tried this with safety matches. Didn't work. I am going to try to get the non safety